The approach road to the puja pandal at Rasulgarh needs immediate attention in bhubaneswar. picture by Ashwinee Pati Our correspondent

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 17: The civic body has decided to take up repair of the approach roads to puja pandals in the city in view of Dussehra.

At a meeting, chaired by Bhubaneswar mayor Ananta Narayan Jena, last evening, the civic body officials and senior councillors decided to start the work within three days as the Puja committees had informed them about problems they were facing problem due to the bad approach roads.

Jena said the engineers were asked to go for patchwork to fill the potholes and make the approach roads usable for the general public.

Senior councillor and chairman of the standing committee on works Amaresh Jena said: “Though late, we have started the basic process, and the engineering teams were asked to conduct the survey and expedite the process of road repairs, especially near the puja pandals. We have come to know that the pandals at Rasulgarh, Bomikhal, Old Station Bazar and Refugee Colony in Lakshmisagar have bad approach roads, and they will be repaired on priority.”

Last week, inspector in charge of Lakshmisagar police station Rajat Ray convened a meeting to know the problems of the puja pandals as it is a low-lying area.

“From the police-public interface, we came to know that the puja pandals at Bomikhal and Refugee Colony badly needed repair of their approach roads, and we have intimated it to the civic authorities,” said Ray.

Jena told The Telegraph that the solid waste contractors, engaged by the corporation, had been asked to ensure 24X7 cleaning service near the major Puja pandals and regular service at other places.

“We have asked all the Puja pandals to make the use of dustbins mandatory following adoption of the council’s resolution to make effective collection of administrative charge from violators, who will throw garbage on roads,” he said.

Sanjay Jena, former councillor of Rasulgarh, said: “The extended monsoon is causing problem for the puja organisers. Last year, Phailin played a havoc, but this time, the rain is causing a problem for us, especially regarding pandal decoration.”